1870 50C Standard Silver Half Dollar, Judd-952, Pollock-1095,
Low R.7, PR66 NGC.
Design. The bust of Liberty faces right on the obverse, with
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a
scroll below. Liberty's hair is tied in a bun. On the reverse, the
denomination 50 / CENTS and date 1870 are in a wreath of cotton and
corn, with the inscription STANDARD above. Struck in silver with a
plain edge.
Commentary. The Queller specimen weighs 153.7 grains, about the
same as the thin planchet Judd-951. Andrew Pollock does not record
weights of any other specimens, leaving the reader guessing as to
the possible existence of thin and thick planchet variations of
Judd-952.
Physical Description. Like others of this design, the obverse
exhibits some central striking weakness. However, the surfaces are
exceptional, with rich reddish-gold at the center of the obverse,
surrounded by pale blue, violet, and iridescent peripheral toning.
The reverse has lush blue and iridescent toning. Tied for
numerically finest at NGC with a couple of other pieces including a
Cameo example (11/08). NGC Census: 2 in PR66, 1 finer (the
PR66 Cameo piece mentioned previously). PCGS Population:
None in PR66, none finer, with the finest piece certified by PCGS
being a single PR64 (12/08).
Provenance.Ex: Stack's private treaty.
From The Lemus Collection, Queller Family Collection Part Two. (PCGS# 61198)